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Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent
The Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] have announced the passing of Olga Carmona‘s father just hours after she scored the winning goal in the World Cup final.
Real Madrid left-back Carmona, 23, scored the only goal of the game as Spain beat England 1-0 in Sydney on Sunday to win their first-ever major trophy in the women’s game.
“We deeply regret that we must announce the death of Olga Carmona’s father,” the RFEF wrote in a short statement published on social media.
“[Carmona] learned of the sad news after the World Cup final. We send our deepest condolences to Olga and her family at this time of deep sorrow.
“We love you, Olga, you are Spanish football history.”
Carmona had celebrated her winning goal by revealing the word ‘Merchi’ on her undershirt in memory of a friend’s mother who had recently died.
“This victory is for the mum of one of my best friends who passed away recently,” she explained after the game when asked about the message.
It was the second time in a week that Carmona had come to Spain’s rescue. She also scored a stunning 89th minute winner in the semifinal victory over Sweden on Tuesday.
La Roja are scheduled to fly back to Madrid from Sydney early Monday morning local time, with celebrations planned in the Spanish capital later in the day.